Having other conditions that affect your immune system, such as
AIDS
or
cancer

Symptoms

Along with the sore throat, you may have other symptoms, such as:

Pain or difficulty when swallowing

Difficulty breathing

Fever

Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck

Hoarse voice

Red or irritated looking throat

Swollen tonsils

White patches on or near your tonsils

Runny nose or stuffy nose

Cough

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor if you:

Experience a worsening of your sore throat or the symptom lasts longer than you or your doctor expect

Have difficulty swallowing or breathing

Have developed other symptoms, such as:

White patches on tonsils (may be a sign of strep throat)

Enlarged lymph nodes on your neck

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Earache

Nausea or vomiting

Fever

Rash

Muscle or joint aches

Fatigue

Blood in saliva

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests calling your child's doctor if your child has a sore throat that continues through the day (no matter what other symptoms are present).

If you think you have an emergency, get medical care right away.

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a physical exam, looking closely at your mouth, throat, nose, ears, and the lymph nodes in your neck.

This physical exam may include:

Using a small instrument to look inside the nose, ears, and mouth

Gently touching the lymph nodes (glands) in your neck to check for swelling

Taking your temperature

Examining your ears

The doctor will ask questions about:

Your family and medical history

Recent exposure to someone with
strep throat
or any other infection of the throat, nose, or ears

Other tests include:

Rapid strep test or throat culture—using a cotton swab to touch the back of the throat to check for strep throat

Blood tests
—to identify conditions that may be causing the sore throat

Mono spot test
(if mononucleosis is suspected)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat. Options include:

Medications

Antibiotics for strep throat

Drugs to reduce sore throat pain; these drugs include:

Ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil)

Acetaminophen
(Tylenol)

Note
:
Aspirin
is not recommended for children or teens with a current or
recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of
Reye's
syndrome
. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.

Numbing throat spray for pain control

Decongestants and antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose

Throat lozenges

Corticosteroids (used in combination with antibiotics for severe cases)

Home Care

Get plenty of rest.

Drink plenty of water.

Gargle with warm salt water several times a day.

Drink warm liquids (tea or broth) or cool liquids.

Avoid irritants that might affect your throat, such as smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and cold air.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Prevention

Here are ways to reduce your chance of getting a sore throat:

Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or after caring for a child with a sore throat.

If someone in your home has a sore throat, keep his eating utensils and drinking glasses separate from those of other family members. Wash these objects in hot, soapy water.

If a toddler with a sore throat has been sucking on toys, wash the toys in soap and water.

Immediately get rid of used tissues, and then wash your hands.

If you have hay fever or another respiratory allergy, see your doctor. Avoid the substance that causes your allergy.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.